Dyslexia

December 9, 2022

Overview:

We all know that children develop at their own rate.  Each one is different in almost every aspect, and that’s part of what makes them who they are.  In some situations, it may become apparent that, in order to meet their full potential, a child may require additional support.

Learning disabilities range on a spectrum and may manifest in different ways depending on the child.  Here we will focus specifically on reading and writing differences, specifically dyslexia and dysgraphia.

Identification of a Learning Disability:

Parents often try to do their best to help their children learn to read by reading to them and by providing them with a variety of age-appropriate books.  Educators reinforce this effort through literacy programs and curriculum at school.  As a parent, if you start to notice that your child is struggling to meet their grade level based on your own observation or information coming home regarding academic performance, you may wish to speak with your child’s teachers and consider further investigation to determine what you can do to help them along.

The first step is to acknowledge the possibility that there may be a different learning style or need at play.  Reach out to your child’s teacher for a meeting to discuss ways you can collaboratively support them and to gain an understanding of the expectations and goals in the classroom.  This meeting may provide you with insight into available tools and programs that you may not have previously been aware of, information on learning styles to consider, or next steps to consider to further identify any underlying issues.

Psychoeducational Assessment Process:

A Psychoeducational Assessment is the first step in the process in getting a child’s needs identified and documented. 

  • A simple Google search will show you the psychologists in your area that offer private assessments. However, you may wish to start by speaking with your School Board to understand their approach, expectations, and process related to Psychoeducational Assessments.  Your family doctor may also be able to refer you to psychologists that they would recommend for this purpose.
  • Psychoeducational assessments often have long waiting lists, so try to get on a list as soon as you can.
  • The process will take a number of weeks/months and will consist of a variety of interviews with your child, you and your partner, and often your child’s teachers.
  • Once you have completed the process you should come away with a detailed report on your child’s strengths, areas for improvement, and recommendations for next steps. You may also receive information on a formal diagnosis and required actions for the school programming.

Working with the School:

  • Submit in writing a request for an IPRC (Identification, Placement and Review Committee) meeting with your principal so that you can learn about the specific program offerings that are available at the school. The school’s Resource teacher will also be in attendance for this initial meeting.
  • Get an Individual Education Plan (IEP) put in place for your child and review it in detail with your child’s teachers and resource teacher.
  • Should assistive technology be a recommendation from your Assessment then you can now request “SEA- Special Equipment Amount” computer and programs in order to allow your child to receive a device from the school for their personal use.
  • Training for your child on the device and programs will be provided by the resource teacher. It is equally as important for parents to receive training in order to be able to support the child with homework, for example.

Community Support and Information Resources:

A quick Google search and Facebook search can give you a number of options for resources in your area. Also reaching out to your local community centre can prove to be beneficial.

Here are a few sources for groups in the Ottawa area:

Programs to consider at School:

Your Principal and Resource teacher will provide you with options for programs offered within the school system. Here are some of the more common ones offered:

  • Lexia (App with reading activities that can be done at school and at home)
  • Scope & Sequence (Science of Reading program)
  • Empower (Reading program offered through Resource teachers at the school)
  • Assistive technology training (programs like Google Read & Write or Immersive Reader should be provided through your Resource teacher)
  • Red Words (Orton Gillingham program)

Programs to consider at Home with Parents:

You may wish to try some of the following programs at home with your child:

  • Toe to Toe
  • Word Wasp
  • Equipped for Reading Success by D. Kilpatrick
  • Snapwords
  • Typingclub.com
  • TouchTypeReadSpell
  • C-pen

Types of Tutoring Programs to consider:

There are a number of private tutoring options to consider. Here are some of the more popular ones:

Additional types of programs to consider:

  • Music therapy (specifically the Carl Orph method)
  • Art classes
  • Journaling – writing for fun
  • Speech therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Irlen sensitivity to colours and contrast
  • Tomatis method
  • Reach Learning Centre (OG training)

Podcasts, Shows and books:

  • Book: The Brain that Changes Itself by Norman Doirdge
  • Podcast: The Problem by Sold a Story
  • Book: Dyslexic – Different not Disabled by Sandra and Jonathan Easton

Financial Assistance:

  • Tutoring programs, device purchases and licensing purchases should all be considered when doing your taxes as you are likely eligible for a portion of writing them off.
  • Music programs, therapies, etc should also be considered as potential write-offs at tax time.
  • Vitamins and supplements can also be considered for review at tax time.
  • With a formal diagnosis you may be eligible for the DTC (Disability Tax Credit) that can be applied to your monthly child tax benefit payments.
  • There are a number of financial accounting professionals that can be of assistance so research your area for more service options.

Tips:

  • Add close captioning to all of your child’s devices during videos/shows
  • Buy them magazines that are of a topic of interest even if they are unable to read most of the text they will absorb some of the vocabulary
  • Encourage them to write cards, grocery lists, help with baking/cooking recipes, signs and maps, etc. Any chance you get for everyday reading and writing use.
  • Play games like scrabble and monopoly where they need to use reading skills (even if you help them with this)
  • Create a “reading club” with a younger sibling or friend to encourage them to help teach others to read; ensure you choose books that are considered very easy for their level.
  • Encourage them to read to a family pet; it takes away any nerves or judgement they may feel from reading out loud.
  • Video games where they need to read short directions can also be an encouraging tool
  • Research all of the famous people over the years who have dyslexia. There are a number of amazing people in the world who did astonishing things because they think outside of the box.

Related Pages:

  • ADHD
  • Anxiety  
  • Self-Esteem

This page has been assembled after careful collaboration and research by a team of contributors at The Grove Collective. For inquiries about this page or to submit additional information that you’ve found helpful based on your own independent research into this topic, please connect with us.